Upgrading tow package on 2501TS Chevy?

[mabu_x]

Hi Folks, I am looking for advice on this. I have a 2006 Jeep Commander I'd like to set up as my toad. It sits at around 5200 lbs. I have a 2015 2501TS Chevy to tow it.

I worked out all the math, and with all weight considered it would be under the 20,000 lbs GCWR of the RV... but within a few 1000 of hitting it. So theoretically, it should work.

But the tow package that comes with the 2501TS is rated at only 5000 lbs. I'd like to upgrade it to a higher Class 3 or even a Class 4, if possible.

Has anyone tried doing this or something similar? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

-B

[Total Loss]

I don't think you would have a problem with the hitch. The push/pull of a toad is nothing compared to the added tongue weight leverages of a trailer.
I would worry more about the total weight.
I pull 4200 with my Chevy 2251 6.0. My motorhome weighs in loaded at about 11k- it's a small one. That is working that little 6.0 gasser IMO.
I probably could pull more but 4k more is a lot.
You will not like hills.

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by Total Loss

I don't think you would have a problem with the hitch. The push/pull of a toad is nothing compared to the added tongue weight leverages of a trailer.
I would worry more about the total weight.
I pull 4200 with my Chevy 2251 6.0. My motorhome weighs in loaded at about 11k- it's a small one. That is working that little 6.0 gasser IMO.
I probably could pull more but 4k more is a lot.
You will not like hills.

so you've got a 6.0 in your motorhome that's at 11k plus 4200 lbs toad . yes that will work the 6.0 your at 15200 or more i would guess .

[mabu_x]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm weighing everything this weekend to get specifics, but I'd guess the 2501TS is at around 13k and the Commander is at 5.2k... Add odds and ends and I'm pushing 19k lbs. It is still under the GCWR, but you guys think that is too much for the 6.0?

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by mabu_x

Thanks for the responses.

I'm weighing everything this weekend to get specifics, but I'd guess the 2501TS is at around 13k and the Commander is at 5.2k... Add odds and ends and I'm pushing 19k lbs. It is still under the GCWR, but you guys think that is too much for the 6.0?

Try renting a trailer and tow it around.
Get a large U-haul and load it up.
Try to get around your toad weight and try it first.
Or try a friend or neighbors toad setup.
You may want to consider a smaller toad- maybe a Jeep Liberty.

I say - try it first before you spend a lot on the setup for the Commander.
The 6.0 and 6 spd trans is a great setup IMO- but it has it's limits.
I do not think I could tow comfortably without the new 6 spd tranny.

My setup
I got 10 mpg on my last trip.
Another reason I like the Chevy.

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by northstar1960

so you've got a 6.0 in your motorhome that's at 11k plus 4200 lbs toad . yes that will work the 6.0 your at 15200 or more i would guess .

It works it-yes- but the 6spd tranny really helps.
10mpg also.
I wouldn't go any bigger.

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by Total Loss

It works it-yes- but the 6spd tranny really helps.
10mpg also.
I wouldn't go any bigger.

I'm in an old chevy 2003 2500hd with only the 4 spd 6.0 truck with me in it and the topper on and 1/2 tank of fuel am at 6100 . TH weighs in at close to 9000 that's a total of 15100 and i get around no problem max gcvw for my chevy is 16300 . so well below that with some margins . your's will doit no problem the 6.0 is a proven engine with the 6spd your set just stay with in your weight ranges

[mabu_x]

Thanks again, Total and Northstar.

I have to say I am incredibly impressed with how the Chevy 2501TS drives. It is very comfortable on long flat and straight roads like I-5. And it seems to have pretty good pickup when merging onto freeways while not towing. Windy roads make my kids ill, but that is to be expected.

I'm not too comfortable pushing the 20,000 GCVW limit. I'll know if I will have a comfortable cushion when I weigh the vehicles. If the combined weight is 19k or under, I'll probably attempt to use the Commander... if it is over, I'll probably look for a lighter toad.